1.      How can l get a close yet comfortable wet shave? The most important steps to follow to ensure a close and enjoyable shave are: ·          Clean your face prior to shaving to wash off any dirt and help lift the hairs. ·          Wet your beard with warm water to swell up the hair and open the pores. ·          Massage in a shaving medium to soften the beard and lubricate the skin. ·          Shave using short strokes in the same direction as the hair growth. ·          Unclog the razor by rinsing it frequently under hot water. ·          Rinse off excess shaving residue with cool to cold water and pat dry. ·          Apply a moisturising aftershave balm to relieve the skin. For more information, read our article on The Perfect Shave.

2.      How can l avoid razor burn? Razor burn is the general redness and irritation of the skin that tends to follow after shaving.  It results from the friction of the razor on the skin and is made worse by shaving against the grain of the hair.  Prevent razor burn by: a.      Making sure your face is warm and wet prior to shaving so that the hairs are swollen and easier to shave off.  Try placing a warm steamed towel on your face for 30 seconds. b.      Apply a lubricating shaving medium to reduce the friction on the skin. c.      Always shave in the direction of the hairs natural growth. d.      Making sure not to press too hard on the razor. e.      Applying a soothing aftershave balm immediately after shaving.

3.      How can l avoid ingrown hairs and razor bumps? Ingrown hairs are hairs that curl back on itself and do not reach the skins surface layer.  Sebum (oil) builds up around the hair and forms a tiny bump.  This razor bump can get sore and irritated when it becomes infected.  To prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps: ·          Always shave in the same direction as the hair growth. ·          Exfoliate your skin regularly by using face scrub to remove dead skin cells and lift up trapped hairs. ·          Use a good quality shaving medium to lubricate the skin and make the hair stand up. ·          Keep skin moisturised so that dry flakes of skin do not block the hair from growing out. For more information, check out our article on Tackling Ingrown Hairs and Razor Bumps.

4.      How can l avoid shaving cuts and nicks? Allow more time to warm and wet your hair prior to shaving.  Try also to leave the shaving medium on your beard for 1-2 minutes to really soften the hair before you start shaving.  When shaving use short strokes for more precise control and use your free hand to gently pull at the skin.  This way, the razor won’t pinch and cut your skin but instead has an even surface to glide over.  Remember to rinse your blade often under hot running water to increase the performance of each stroke.  You can even try applying shave oil underneath shave gel or cream to give extra lubrication and slip for your razor.

5.      Why shouldn’t l shave against the grain? Shaving against the natural direction of your hair is not recommended as it causes damage at the root of the hair.  It is also the main cause of razor burn and can lead to other shaving problems such as ingrown hairs, razor burns and minor abrasions.  Sure it takes longer to shave and might not provide the closest shave but at least you’ll prevent these annoying post-shave irritations.  By shaving against the grain, you have a higher chance of cutting the hair off below the skins surface and inviting ingrown hairs. Take some time and have a good look to see how your hair grows around your face and especially the neck.  Don’t be fooled to think they all grow in the same direction.  Run your fingers through your beard.  The direction that gives the less resistance is the direction you should be shaving.  Using a shave gel or oil will help you to see where you’re shaving as these shaving mediums are transparent unlike creams or foams.

6.      Which is better, a wet shave or an electric shave? Provided you have time up your sleeve before dashing off to work, we recommend a wet shave.  It cuts in closer and is kind to the skin.  An electric shave is great when you’re pressed for time but they tend to be harsher on the skin and typically tug at the hairs.

7.      I tend to miss some areas whilst shaving.  How can l avoid this? Best way is to use a shave gel or oil.  As they are transparent, you can see where you’ve shaved and therefore the spots that still require shaving or a light touch-up.  They are also great for sculpting that side burn or goatee.

8.      I’ve heard about shaving brushes but never used one.  Are they really effective? If you’ve never tried a shaving brush, we highly recommend it.  There are many advantages of using a shaving brush when applying shave cream.  A brush is faster in distributing the cream over the face and helps lift up the hair away from the skin allowing for a closer cut.  As you brush, your skin is exfoliated and dead skin cells are dislodged.  The brush retains water which it releases into the shave cream enabling each hair to soften and absorb more water.  You can re-apply the leftover cream on the brush should you need to touch-up with the razor making shaving all the more economical.  It’s an essential grooming tool that you should never go without especially if you suffer from ingrown hairs, razor bumps and shaving irritations.  Read our article Brush Up on Your Shaving and check out our extensive shaving brush range.

9.      How do you use a shaving brush? Immerse the bristles in clean, warm water and shake off any excess.  Apply shave cream to the brush or better still squeeze some cream into a shaving mug and use the brush to work it to a rich lather.  Distribute the cream over your beard using the brush in a circular motion and stroking it like a painters’ brush.  Dip the tip of the brush in water and add more cream if you need to generate more lather.  After using, rinse the brush thoroughly in warm water – do not boil or soak in hot water.  Shake off the excess water and leave it on a stand to dry naturally.

10.   Why should l stay away from alcohol based aftershave or cologne? That bottle of Old Spice could do more harm than good.  Aftershave or cologne that contains a high alcohol content gives a stinging sensation when applied after shaving and dries out the skin.  It might have left a masculine scent and a refreshing feeling but it failed to restore the lost moisture after shaving.  Use an aftershave balm instead to calm shaved skin.  It hydrates and conditions the skin whilst providing relief from inflammation and shaving irritations.  If you like the fragrance of those traditional aftershaves, try an Eau De Toilette such as Zirh EDT Spray or American Crew Classic Fragrance.

11.   How can l get a smooth shave using a shave oil without the blade sticking to my skin? Shave oils are great for extra lubrication but as noted they can get a bit on the sticky side.  When this happens, splash some warm water onto the beard and massage it into the oil.  Also remember to rinse your blade often under hot water to unclog the razor.

12. How much lather should l be generating for a shave? You only need to generate enough lather for a thin even layer over the shaved area – you certainly don’t need to look like Santa Claus.  Any excess lather that is not in contact with the skin is not going to do anything except clog up your razor.

13. I suffer from the occasional spot and blemishes.  How should l shave my skin? Try not to shave over the problem areas as it will only irritate and cause inflammation.  Be gentle and apply extreme caution should you need to shave these blemished areas.  Use a translucent shave gel to see where you’re shaving and which areas to avoid.    Alternatively go for an electric shave.  Electric shavers do not shave as close as a wet shave and therefore will irritate the spots and blemishes less.  We suggest you use a quality foil shaver rather than a rotary head for this.

14. Should l apply a toner or astringent after shaving? Toner / astringents are useful for removing any excess oil and shaving residue.  They help to close the pores and refresh the skin.  We therefore recommend applying a toner / astringent after shaving if you have oily or combination skin.  However there is no harm in using it if you have normal or dry skin.

15.  I have dry skin.  What is the best way for me to shave? We suggest you follow the simple steps outlined in the article The Perfect Shave.  Use a shave cream or oil as it provides extra moisture and lubrication to protect the skin during the shaving process.  After shaving, apply an aftershave balm to replenish lost moisture and then follow through with a facial moisturiser if your skin feels tight.